Phoenix Karaka of the Silver Ferns (L) and Sasha Glasgow of England tussle for the ball during the Taini Jamison Trophy first test in Christchurch. Photo: Photosport
The Silver Ferns have been stunned 55-54 by an under-strength England in the opening test of the Taini Jamieson series in Christchurch.
Despite fielding a host of test debutants, the visitors outplayed an experienced New Zealand side, turning all the pre-series predictions upside down.
Netball New Zealand had criticised its England counterparts when it was revealed a virtual B-team had been selected for the three-Test series, with players from their World Cup squad being given an extended rest.
NNZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie slammed the move as "disrespectful" and demanded an explanation.
However, the tourists proved too slick for a Silver Ferns side who underwhelmed at the World Cup in South Africa last month, finishing fourth.
Hannah Joseph of England. Photo: Photosport
Noeline Taurua's team opened up an early four-goal lead but led just 13-12 after the first quarter and slumped to a 29-23 deficit by halftime.
The gap between the two teams grew to nine goals midway through the third stanza before New Zealand launched a fightback.
Down 43-37 entering the final quarter, they closed to one goal down with five minutes still to play but couldn't complete the victory.
England's points production was headed by goal shoot Sasha Glasgow, who landed 38 of her 41 shots to earn her player of the match honours.
New Zealand Captain Ameliaranne Ekeanasio went one better with 39 from 41 - maintaining her accuracy after shifting from goal attack to goal shoot at halftime - but problems further up the court stymied their play.
Ekenasio lamented an error-strewn performance marked by a lack of concentration.
"We brought 100 percent energy in that last quarter and we need to bring that from the start," she said.
"I'm not sure why that was missing because we've got a group that are like energiser bunnies. We've got more to give and we've got to bring that to the next game. We just can't put ourselves in that position but I'm glad we did get it right and now know what it feels like.
"We sold ourselves short and I can't wait to put it right in the rest of the series."
The second test is in Porirua on Wednesday night.
- RNZ